Fall 2019 MFA Applicants - General Freakout & Celebration Thread

JDog

Member
Hello all,

In previous years it has been beneficial to have a central thread for discussion as interviews are completed and final decisions are made.
I have not seen any other general MFA forums for this term, so this is the beginning of the Fall 2019 general forum.

To begin, I'll introduce myself.
I'm JDog, born and raised just north of Los Angeles. First studied engineering and worked in the field, switched to media production, and now I'm back to pursue my dream of being a director.
I'm not sure how great my chances are in getting in since I've only worked on three films - a big-budget studio picture (as a supporting actor), my own short film (as writer/director) and another short I wrote that was produced by a tv production studio. If I am not accepted to my top choices, I'm buying an old RED and going freelance, locally, for a couple of years.

I've so far interviewed with LMU.

Tell us who you are and where you've interviewed so far!
 
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Is this thread only for those who got accepted for an interview already or is it ok for anyone that applied for Fall 2019?
I'm Juliana, Brazilian. Applied for NYU/AFI/Chapman, focused on Cinematography. I also applied for European programs such as Kino Eyes and Viewfinder (they also do interviews). My biggest concern (besides being accepted) is payment. I'm looking for what sort of loans International students can get, without an American co-signer. Even if I get a scholarship from any of these, I will need a miracle to pay for my living expenses and tuition.
I graduated in Film Animation, and after working in a few projects as a still photographer and DP in a short stop motion film, I couldn't get enough of it. I got a scholarship in 2013 to study abroad in Finland for about a year; it wasn't related to film though, as it was graphics design for game development. Nonetheless, it was a truly enriching experience.
:)
 
So far I have interviewed for LMU and will interview for Chapman tomorrow. I haven't heard anything from AFI so I'm assuming that's out. The only other school that interviews is Columbia so I'll see how that go but so far my top choice is LMU. :)
 
Hi, I'm from northern California. I received my BS in business administration (management concentration) and a minor in German. About 2.5 years ago I began looking into grad film schools and decided to take film classes at my local community college to get some experience since I had none to speak of at that point. I earned a certificate in the subject last spring and have been working as an assistant in the film classes for the last two years. Last spring I won a screenplay competition and had that film screened at a local international film festival, but I don't really have a professional film resume to speak of.
I applied to production programs at LMU, Columbia, and UCLA, and TV writing and producing at Chapman.
I just interviewed for LMU yesterday and will interview for Chapman next week. I'm not sure how the interview went for LMU - I worry my nerves got the best of me, but I really love what I've read about the program, and the professors I interviewed with really made me feel like I'll find the kind of education and support I'm looking for.
 
Is this thread only for those who got accepted for an interview already or is it ok for anyone that applied for Fall 2019?
I'm Juliana, Brazilian. Applied for NYU/AFI/Chapman, focused on Cinematography. I also applied for European programs such as Kino Eyes and Viewfinder (they also do interviews). My biggest concern (besides being accepted) is payment. I'm looking for what sort of loans International students can get, without an American co-signer. Even if I get a scholarship from any of these, I will need a miracle to pay for my living expenses and tuition.
I graduated in Film Animation, and after working in a few projects as a still photographer and DP in a short stop motion film, I couldn't get enough of it. I got a scholarship in 2013 to study abroad in Finland for about a year; it wasn't related to film though, as it was graphics design for game development. Nonetheless, it was a truly enriching experience.
:)
I can imagine the worry of applying internationally. Most of us worry about funding here, and we have more financial aid opportunities. Without financial aid myself, school will be impossible. I’m sure as fate allows, you will make it into whatever program you’re meant to be in. Keep the hustle!
 
Does anybody have thoughts on whether sending a thank you note/email is appropriate after an interview? I feel like I've usually heard it's a good idea, but I think maybe that's more in terms of a job interview...

If it is recommended, within how much time do you think it should be done?
 
Does anybody have thoughts on whether sending a thank you note/email is appropriate after an interview? I feel like I've usually heard it's a good idea, but I think maybe that's more in terms of a job interview...

If it is recommended, within how much time do you think it should be done?
I actually have been debating doing the same thing. It couldn't hurt. I can't think of a reason it would be looked at negatively. I may end up doing it later today as well.
 
Hi, I'm from northern California. I received my BS in business administration (management concentration) and a minor in German. About 2.5 years ago I began looking into grad film schools and decided to take film classes at my local community college to get some experience since I had none to speak of at that point. I earned a certificate in the subject last spring and have been working as an assistant in the film classes for the last two years. Last spring I won a screenplay competition and had that film screened at a local international film festival, but I don't really have a professional film resume to speak of.
I applied to production programs at LMU, Columbia, and UCLA, and TV writing and producing at Chapman.
I just interviewed for LMU yesterday and will interview for Chapman next week. I'm not sure how the interview went for LMU - I worry my nerves got the best of me, but I really love what I've read about the program, and the professors I interviewed with really made me feel like I'll find the kind of education and support I'm looking for.
Vielen glueck!
 
Hi,
I applied to USC, UCLA, Chapman, AFI, NYU, and Columbia for their screenwriting MFA programs. And I was just wondering based on interviews or personal experiences what do you guys think is the best program? I also want to gain experience in directing. Thanks!
 
In previous years it has been beneficial to have a central thread for discussion as interviews are completed and final decisions are made.
Tweaked the title of the thread. Post your freak outs and celebrations here. :) Good luck everyone!
 
Hi,
I applied to USC, UCLA, Chapman, AFI, NYU, and Columbia for their screenwriting MFA programs. And I was just wondering based on interviews or personal experiences what do you guys think is the best program? I also want to gain experience in directing. Thanks!
I can't say much about most of those schools, but I do know from my tour of Chapman that they let you audit any classes you want without making any difference to your tuition. I actually didn't know what auditing was because I never experienced it during my undergrad studies, so just in case you're in the same boat.. it means you get to sit in on the class, and can participate, but you won't be graded. Those other schools might offer that too, though.. sorry I I couldn't be more helpful ?
 
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